Infiniti G35 Reliability and Common Problems

Lisa Conant, Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Reviewed by

Lisa Conant, Automotive Content Specialist

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on April 5th, 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Summary
  • The Infiniti G35 has a powerful engine that makes it fun to drive. It’s also fairly reliable, with the 2008 model getting a 4.5 out of 5.0 for reliability from J.D. Power.
  • The G35 has been reported to develop several issues including a faulty crankshaft angle sensor, a rattling timing chain, and brake light problems, among other things.
  • Overall, the G35 doesn’t have any big issues for it to be actively avoided. Granted, you should know the potential issues that you may encounter with the Infiniti G35 you’re looking at getting.

If you’re looking for a sedan that’s a thrill to drive, you can never go wrong with an Infiniti G35. Its superb engine and powerful acceleration make it one of the best choices in its segment. But just like any other vehicle, the Infiniti G35 is not perfect. Whether you’re planning to shop from an official dealership or the used vehicle market, it pays to have an idea about its reliability ratings and the issues it may develop over time.

Are Infiniti G35s Reliable?

The reliability ratings of an Infiniti G35 may vary per model year, but it’s considered a fairly reliable vehicle overall. J.D. Power gave its last model, the 2008 Infiniti G35, a 4.5 out of 5 for reliability. Meanwhile, the data analytics company gave the 2007 Infiniti G35 a 3 out of 5.

Older Infiniti G35 models are also reliable. Based on Edmunds’ consumer review page, many owners gave used 2006 Infiniti G35s a four-star or five-star rating in terms of reliability. With proper care and maintenance, your Infiniti G35 can reach more than 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs.

Infiniti G35 Common Problems

No matter how reliable a vehicle is, it’s bound to develop problems and need repairs as it racks up mileage. The Infiniti G35 is no exception. Here are some of the most common issues for model years of the G35:

Issues with Interior Accessories

There were few complaints about the 2007-2008 Infiniti G35 models, and most of them involve the vehicle’s interior accessories. Some owners have reported that their dashboard started to crack, particularly in the area around the front vents. Others have also complained about issues with their door lock controls because of a defective sunroof.

Besides the latest models, faulty interior accessories were also among the 2003 Infiniti G35’s common problems. Some owners have complained about issues with their car radio and CD player, while others report having troubles due to malfunctioning interior controls. In many cases, this issue starts out with a faulty car radio followed by the inability to control the cabin’s temperature and fan speed.

Luckily, replacing faulty accessories resolves most of these issues. There’s no shortage of aftermarket interior accessories for various model years on the market, so finding one for your ride will be a breeze.

Failing Crankshaft Angle Sensor

A number of Infiniti G35 vehicles released from 2003-2008 were reported to have a malfunctioning crankshaft angle sensor or camshaft position sensor. Apart from an illuminated check engine light, the drivers of the affected models also report experiencing a noticeable loss of engine power along with serious drivability issues due to the faulty part.

Good thing Nissan issued a recall for some of the affected model years. According to the report, there has been a manufacturing error on the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor. This caused the engine to stop running abruptly. If the G35 you’re eyeing is subject to this recall, dealers may replace the faulty part along with your variable timing control sensor (depending on your sedan’s model year).

If you’d like to know if your ride was part of any recall, you can check out this guide. You may also visit the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) website for more information.

Rattling Timing Chain

Hearing rattling or tapping noises coming from the timing chain is a common complaint among the owners of many 2003-2008 Infiniti G35 models. If you encounter this symptom, it’s best to take your ride to an auto repair shop right away.

It’s normal for the timing chain and other related components to wear out as a vehicle gets older. But in this particular issue, the timing chain rail guides and tensioners are said to wear out ahead of the maintenance schedule. This causes the timing chain to become loose, which may result in the timing chain guides disintegrating and falling into the oil pan.

Replacing the timing chain costs around $35 to $95 plus labor costs. If you want to keep your timing chain in top shape for a long time, experts recommend following your oil change maintenance schedule and using the right oil type for your G35.

Electrical Issues

Electrical problems topped the list of the 2006 Infiniti G35’s common problems. Several owners have complained that their steering wheel controls stopped working at around 121,500 miles. Most of them had to replace the clock spring or the spiral cable behind the airbag to solve the issue.

Electrical problems top the list of the 2006 Infiniti G35’s common problems. Image source: Wikimedia.

Some Infiniti G35 drivers have also reported that the cruise control on their Infiniti G35 stopped working. Replacing the brake light switches and steering wheel controls didn’t solve the issue. Most mechanics determine that the problem seems to be related to a faulty clockspring.

Brake Light Problems

Malfunctioning brake light switches were a common complaint among the owners of 2003, 2004, and 2006 Infiniti G35 vehicle models. In fact,  Nissan issued a recall in 2003 for the faulty switches.

According to reports, the brake light switches on the affected units may not illuminate when the brake is applied. Brake lights are critical for road safety because it alerts the driver behind you that you’re slowing down. So it’s best to have your ride checked right away once you notice a similar issue. A replacement brake light switch costs around $15 to $45 plus labor costs.

As long as you know the potential issues that you may encounter with your Infiniti G35, getting it should come with a little risk. After all, buying a ride as dependable as the Infiniti G35 is surely a worthwhile investment. Just remember to follow its maintenance schedule to make the most out of its service life.

Where to Get New Parts for Your Infiniti G35

Driving is more enjoyable when you’ve got an Infiniti G35. However, missed maintenance schedules and bad driving habits can eventually lead to problems that can render your vehicle undrivable.

So when it’s time to shop for top-notch Infiniti G35 replacement parts, look no further than CarParts.com. We have a wide range of aftermarket replacement parts, accessories, and upgrades that are sure to get your Infiniti G35 back on the road.

Enter your G35’s specifications into our website’s vehicle selector to start browsing our catalog. You can also use the search filters to narrow down the results according to your preferences.

Here at CarParts.com, we only want the best for our customers, which is why we offer top-notch parts with a low-price guarantee. Never worry about going over budget for your repairs when you shop from us.

Order now, and we’ll deliver the parts you need as soon as possible. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses across the US, you can get everything you need delivered straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.

Don’t miss out on the best deals on the market, and shop for high-quality Infiniti G35 parts today!

About The Authors
Reviewed By Lisa Conant

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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